What was meant to be a joyous day filled with music, dance, and vibrant culture turned into a scene of horror and heartbreak.
The Notting Hill Carnival, an annual event loved by thousands, was tragically marred when a young mother lost her life in front of her daughter during a violent gang-related incident.
The heart-wrenching scene unfolded on August 25 last year, near Trellick Tower on Golborne Road, right in the middle of what should have been the carnival’s family-friendly day.
Caught in the Chaos: Cher Maximen’s Final Moments
Cher Maximen, a 32-year-old model and fashion designer, was enjoying the festivities with her loved ones when she was caught up in a sudden outbreak of violence.
She was tragically stabbed in the groin with a so-called “zombie knife” by 20-year-old Shakeil Thibou, who was originally targeting another man—Adjei Isaac—in the midst of the chaos.
Shakeil repeatedly lunged at Mr. Isaac, trying to stab him in the stomach, but Isaac narrowly dodged the attacks. In the confusion, Cher was knocked to the ground.
As she attempted to stand, Shakeil deliberately stabbed her, delivering the fatal wound.
She passed away six days later, on August 31, from the injuries.
The Shocking Scene Unfolds in Front of a Child
To make matters even more devastating, Cher’s three-year-old daughter was nearby when her mother was attacked.
The brutal act left bystanders in shock, with hundreds of carnival-goers witnessing the terrifying incident.
Some footage captured the scene, which was later shown in court—so graphic and upsetting that the jury was excused from ever serving again.
Cher’s cousin, Lawrence Hoo, expressed the deep pain felt by the family, saying, “I’ve lost my parents.
I’ve lost my brother. Nothing has felt like this ever. It is the cruellest thing, it truly is.”
The Thibou Brothers and a Scene of Violence
Shakeil wasn’t alone during the ordeal. His two older brothers, Sheldon and Shaeim Thibou, were also involved in violent confrontations nearby.
They clashed with others just minutes before the fatal stabbing, and both assaulted a police officer—PC Oliver Mort—who tried to intervene.
During the arrest, weapons including machetes and stun guns were found in their possession.
The incident was described as part of a wider outbreak of violence that suddenly flared during the late afternoon, with police noting that the crowd had become “semi-hostile.”
Shakeil Thibou Found Guilty of Murder
Despite his claims of self-defence and saying Cher’s stabbing was accidental, the jury didn’t buy it.
After more than 50 hours of deliberation, they found Shakeil guilty of murder, attempted grievous bodily harm to Adjei Isaac, and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was, however, cleared of attempted murder of Mr. Isaac but still faces a significant sentence.
The judge described the footage jurors had to watch as deeply disturbing and thanked them for their service.
Sentencing and Charges for the Others
Sheldon Thibou, 25, was found guilty of violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.
His younger brother, 22-year-old Shaeim, was cleared of violent disorder but convicted for attacking PC Mort.
Shakeil, who had no previous convictions, will be sentenced on May 16.
His brothers will be sentenced at a later date.
The incident has sparked widespread conversation about safety, weapons, and gang violence at public events, especially those meant for families.
A Mother’s Legacy and a Community in Mourning
Cher Maximen’s death has left a gaping hole in her family and community.
Her loss is a haunting reminder of how quickly violence can erupt, even during a day meant for unity and joy.
As her loved ones grieve, there’s a renewed call for justice and better protection at public events like the Notting Hill Carnival.
For now, her name lives on as a symbol of a life taken too soon, under circumstances no one should ever have to witness—especially not a child.